See coverage of Zachary Hearn and Scott Wagner debate

With less than a week before Tuesday's primary, the Republican candidates for the 28th state Senate seat debated Wednesday evening.

Zachary Hearn said he's got the right experience for the job. He said that for the past four years, he's worked for the American Legion in Washington, D.C., advocating for veterans' disability benefits.

"It requires more than simply advocating for a particular bill or policy," said Hearn, 37, of Windsor Township.

He said it requires weighing the positive and negative consequences of policies and having "a passion for helping others improve their lives."

State Sen. Scott Wagner, a 58-year-old businessman from Spring Garden Township, said he's the kind of leader Harrisburg needs. He said most of the people serving in Harrisburg have become career politicians, but he brings 35 years of private-sector business experience.

"I expect I will ruffle some feathers and will make some career folks in Harrisburg uncomfortable," he said. "But it is worth it, because this is the only way we will get real change in Harrisburg."

Wagner was elected in the March 18 special election to fill the remainder of Mike Waugh's term through November. He and Hearn are both seeking a new four-year term for the district, which covers a large part of York County, including York, Wrightsville, Peach Bottom Township and Manchester Township.

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Democrat Linda Small is uncontested in the primary.

The debate took place at the York Jewish Community Center in York Township.

Hearn said the multi-billion transportation spending plan that passed in November "was not the greatest bill in the world, but it was probably the best bill that you could get." He said the fuel tax increases that were included will affect people based on how often they use the roads.

Wagner said he supported increasing funds for transportation, but he objected to the fuel tax increases. He said the revenue should come from increasing vehicle fees instead.

Check out a recap of our live coverage below as the Republican candidates for the 28th state Senate seat debated this evening at the York Jewish Community Center.

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